September 19, 2003

The Independence Messiah Choir, 300 voices strong, will present its 87th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, November 22, at 8:00 p.m. Internationally acclaimed conductor, singer, and orchestral musician Simon Carrington will serve as guest conductor (see July Herald, page 40). The Messiah Festival Orchestra, harpsichordist Jan Kraybill, and four soloists complete the roster of artisans who will fill the dome of the Community of Christ Auditorium with the sounds of Handel’s inspiring oratorio.

Hinchman

Carter

Hite

Dean

Performing the Messiah has been a holiday tradition for the church since 1916. However, it is never the same twice. As always, this year’s performance promises to be beloved for its well-known dramatic splendor and delighted in for its uniqueness.

Soloists for the 87th annual performance are Pamela Hinchman, soprano; Jay Carter, countertenor; William Hite, tenor; and Michael Dean, bass. Hinchman will be making her third appearance with the Independence Messiah Choir. She has received universal critical acclaim since being named Musical America’s “Young Artist to Watch.” She has sung with the Spoleto Festival in Italy and a variety of opera companies across the United States.

Carter will make history as the first countertenor soloist to perform with the Independence Messiah Choir. He appears regularly with various civic, collegiate, and professional ensembles in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Increasingly in demand as a recitalist and lecturer on baroque vocal repertoire and performance practice, Carter gives frequent lecture recitals on the music of Bach, Handel, and Purcell.

Hite will return to the Auditorium stage for his third appearance with the Independence Messiah Choir. He has earned wide critical acclaim across North America for the warmth and eloquence of his voice. He is a noted performer of opera, oratorio, and recitals and has appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, the Washington Bach Consort, the New York City Ballet, and several other prestigious groups.

Dean is in demand worldwide in both operatic and concert repertoire. He has performed many roles with opera companies in Austria, Germany, Belgium, and France. Dean is an alumnus of Curtis Institute of Music and the Merola Opera Program of San Francisco Opera.

Tickets to this event can be purchased for $12, $17, $23, or $30 through Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222. Patron tickets-including VIP seating, a listing in the program, and a post-concert reception with Simon Carrington and the performers are available for $80 by calling (816) 521-3051. For more information visit the Web site at www.CofChrist.org/messiah. 

-Kendra Friend reporting